The Arizona Diamondbacks placed Ketel Marte on the restricted list on Monday night after the All-Star infielder failed to show up for the team’s game against the Boston Red Sox.
The Diamondbacks did not give a reason for the move. They delayed posting their starting lineup until about 15 minutes before first pitch. Arizona recalled infielder Jose Fernandez to fill Marte’s roster spot.
On Tuesday, it was reported that Marte is heading back to Phoenix for an MRI on his knee. Marte remains on the restricted list, though.
After the Diamondbacks’ loss on Monday night, Lovullo told reporters that Marte was dealing with a personal matter.
“That’s as much as I know right now,” Lovullo said, according to the Arizona Republic. “I’m sure in time we’ll start to uncover and unravel some information.”
Ketel Marte has been a key bat in Arizona’s lineup this season. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said, “It’s unfortunate he wasn’t there tonight. I’ll leave it at that.”
Entering play on Tuesday, the D-backs are one game behind the San Diego Padres for the third and final wild-card spot in the National League.
A three-time All-Star, Marte is hitting .249 with 21 homers and 67 RBI in 118 games this season. He went on the restricted list a year ago when he home was broken into during the All-Star break. Marte eventually apologized for missing three games after flying back to his home in the Dominican Republic.
The Arizona Republic reported on social media that Marte had arrived with the team to Boston, but didn’t arrive to the ballpark. It was also reported that the absence was not due to an injury.
